C.A.N.S.
Citizens Against Norfolk Southern
Our community is under threat of a proposed 10 spur rail yard that Norfolk Southern desires to create north of the existing railroad tracks between St. Rte. 295 and Hallett Avenue. Norfolk Southern claims to have 'option to purchase' agreements for the land needed. The Village of Swanton has also been approached by railroad representatives to purchase a sliver of land within village boundaries.
This proposal by Norfolk Southern threatens to destroy
our area, but we are willing to FIGHT
for our community and quality of life!
The construction of this rail yard could be detrimental to the entire Swanton community and could cause:
Noise Pollution
Dust
Leaching of Hazardous Materials
Light Pollution
Security Issues
Safety Issues
Industrial Blight
Decrease in Property Values
Traffic Bottlenecks
Some years ago, a proposal for a rail yard was made to the people of North Baltimore, our neighbors to the south. Railroad representatives made promises to those residents, including promises of bringing more jobs to the area. North Baltimore residents believed the railroad, and agreed to their proposal. Drive through North Baltimore now, and what do you see?? There is no prosperity there! Call their Mayor and listen to the list of problems that came from the railroad’s project in his town. He was one of the landowners who sold land to the railroad for that project, and he has regretted it ever since.
It is too late for North Baltimore - but it is NOT too late for us! Swanton Township has already hired attorneys to fight this proposed scourge but it is vital that ALL of us - township residents and village residents alike - pull together to fight!
It’s not too late!
We will use this blog and a Facebook page (Citizens Against Norfolk Southern), along with yard signs and open meetings to keep everyone informed of the FACTS. Together, we can fight this threat, and together we can save our community!
The first article about the rail yard that was to come to North Baltimore was a glowing, hearts-and-flowers fluff piece that spoke about the great "prosperity" that was eagerly anticipated by residents there (although, not by all). Yet a mere 3 years later, the Blade told a far different story - see for yourself here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.toledoblade.com/business/2014/04/27/Train-congestion-spurs-headaches-safety-concerns-near-N-Baltimore.html
(you need to cut and paste the entire web address line into your browser to read the article)
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